Three Types of Temporary 100% Disability

Currently three types of temporary 100% disability ratings are available for veterans: hospitalization, convalescent, and pre-stabilization, according to the United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA). Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to receive a temporary 100% disability rating.

Hospitalization Ratings

You may be eligible to receive a temporary 100% disability rating if you are hospitalized for a service-connected treatment. If one of the situations described below is true for you, you might be qualified for benefits with a temporary 100% disability rating: 

• You spent over 21 days in a VA hospital or other approved medical facility for treatment of a service-connected disability.
• You were under observation from the hospital for a service-connected disability for over 21 days, at the expense of the VA.

Convalescent Ratings

A “convalescent” period is simply a period of time needed for recovering from an injury or illness. You might be qualified to receive a convalescent rating if you are recovering from a military-related surgery or disability that’s left you immobilized. 

If you have received treatment at a VA hospital, approved hospital, or outpatient center for a service-connected disability, you may be able to receive disability benefits from the VA.

If you have had surgery, these two factors must be true for your case:

1. A recovery time of at least one month was needed after surgery, or your surgery was for a service-connected disability.
2. Severe issues resulted from the surgery, such as:

• • Wounds from surgery that haven’t completely healed
  • Stumps resulting from recent amputations
  • Immobilization from being in splints or casts, also known as therapeutic immobilization
  • Needing to use a wheelchair or crutches
  • Not being able to leave your residence, also known as house confinement

If your condition did not require surgery, then you must have had at least one major joint immobilized by a cast in order to qualify for convalescent disability benefits from the VA.

Pre-Stabilization Ratings

If you have a service-connected disability after your active military duties have ended, you may be eligible to receive a pre-stabilization rating. Depending on how severe your disability is, you may even be able to receive a temporary 100% disability rating. You may receive benefits from this rating for one year after you are discharged from active service.

If you have recently ended your active military service, you may be qualified to receive compensation from the VA. Both of the listed requirements below must be true for you:

1. Your disability is projected to continue for an unknown amount of time.
2. You have an unstable service-connected illness or injury that has not yet been fully treated, or has the potential to change. 

How Can I Get Temporary 100% Benefits?

If you believe you may be qualified to receive disability compensation for a service-related condition, then you will need to file a disability claim with the VA. Depending on the nature and severity of your disability, you could receive a temporary 100% disability rating. 

How Berry Law Can Help

At Berry Law, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to serving the fellow men and women who have fought for our country. Our knowledgeable legal team is fully prepared to appeal your decision and seek the highest disability rating available for your service-connected disability. We will do everything possible to ensure that you receive the financial compensation you’re entitled to. 

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation review of your claim.